empty
08.05.2025 12:47 AM
EUR/USD: Awaiting the Geneva Meeting

The EUR/USD pair continues to trade within a narrow price range ahead of announcing the Federal Reserve's May meeting results. Although the outcome is largely predetermined (the central bank is expected to keep all monetary policy parameters unchanged), the major currency pairs have essentially frozen in place. This suggests a coiled spring ready to snap — the EUR/USD pair will either leap into the 1.14 area or consolidate below the 1.1300 target. Everything will depend on the tone of the accompanying statement and Jerome Powell's rhetoric.

In essence, this is classic behavior. The balance must tip one way or another, setting the direction for EUR/USD. However, under current fundamental conditions, one should not place too much trust in the market's immediate reaction, no matter how dovish or hawkish the Fed's tone is. The reason is simple: the fate of EUR/USD in the medium term will be determined not by the Fed or the European Central Bank, but by the United States and China, whose representatives are preparing to sit down for negotiations.

This image is no longer relevant

Rumors that Washington and Beijing are ready to resume dialogue began circulating last week. Details varied regarding who initiated the talks (neither side wants to appear conceding in the trade war), but the core message was the same: both parties are testing the waters for a renewed dialogue.

First, Donald Trump claimed that the Chinese were "asking for negotiations" (even hinting at a possible reduction of tariffs on Chinese imports), and shortly after, official Chinese representatives said it was the U.S. that requested the meeting. In other words, a diplomatic thaw seemed to emerge—at least on the surface. Moreover, both sides stopped threatening each other with new tariffs or countermeasures and refrained from further escalation.

And then came more: it was announced that high-level talks between U.S. and Chinese officials are scheduled for May 11–12 (Saturday and/or Sunday) in Switzerland. The U.S. will be represented by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chief Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. From China, Vice Premier for Economic Policy He Lifeng will attend.

The seniority of the negotiators is especially notable — these aren't low-level bureaucrats or diplomats but high-ranking officials with direct access to their respective leaders. This suggests that the meeting is not a symbolic gesture but could be a meaningful first step toward de-escalating the trade war between the two superpowers. This will be the first official and pre-announced meeting on trade since the White House introduced its new tariff plan and raised tariffs on China to 145%.

Still, overly high expectations could backfire for EUR/USD (and other dollar pairs). There is no guarantee the sides will find common ground or that this meeting will lead to a full-fledged negotiation process. Even Bessent is trying to lower expectations for the upcoming meeting, saying that the visit wasn't officially organized — "the stars just aligned," as both delegations happened to be in Switzerland simultaneously, prompting an informal and non-binding meeting.

Bessent also declined to answer whether Trump might lower tariffs on Chinese goods to 50–55% as a goodwill gesture to kickstart negotiations. He stated, "All options are on the president's table."

Nevertheless, despite Bessent's attempts to downplay the Geneva meeting, markets will eagerly await the outcome — and, more importantly, the follow-up statements. Even if both sides stay silent, the market response could be as intense. No result is still a result (a negative one). Traders would interpret such silence as a signal that preliminary talks have failed. Conversely, optimistic comments from either side would be interpreted in favor of the greenback — even if it's only an agreement "to agree."

In conclusion, the results of the Fed's May meeting (whatever they may be) should be considered, but not overemphasized. In contrast, Wednesday's price fluctuations should not be overreacted to, as the market will now be focused on the upcoming Geneva meeting, which could play a decisive role in the future of the dollar and the EUR/USD pair.

Irina Manzenko,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

USD/CAD. Analysis and Forecast

The USD/CAD pair has been recovering for the third consecutive day from this year's lowest level, supported by renewed buying interest in the U.S. dollar. Yesterday's optimistic U.S. economic data

Irina Yanina 11:44 2025-05-28 UTC+2

DXY: U.S. Dollar Index Continues to Show Positive Momentum for the Second Day in a Row

On Wednesday, the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) continued its upward momentum for the second consecutive day, rebounding from the monthly low reached earlier this week. The index rose

Irina Yanina 11:36 2025-05-28 UTC+2

Why Are Currencies Traded Against the Dollar Not Declining? (There Is a Chance EUR/USD May Resume Growth and USD/JPY May Fall)

We are truly living in an unusual time, where the classic principles of assessing market situations are being cast aside in favor of more pressing and, more importantly, unclear

Pati Gani 10:05 2025-05-28 UTC+2

Market Conditions Favor the Dollar

Yesterday, the U.S. dollar continued to strengthen against a number of risk assets—particularly gaining ground against the euro and the British pound. Strong U.S. economic data triggered significant movements

Jakub Novak 09:53 2025-05-28 UTC+2

The Market Has Left the Bad Behind

History repeats itself. Markets breathed a sigh of relief and bought the decline in the S&P 500 after Donald Trump's threats of 50% tariffs on the European Union were replaced

Marek Petkovich 09:47 2025-05-28 UTC+2

AUD/NZD. Analysis and Forecast

The AUD/NZD pair attempted to attract buyers on the decline, but so far, there hasn't been enough conviction to support a sustained move. Intraday upward momentum slowed following the Reserve

Irina Yanina 09:33 2025-05-28 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – May 28: What Is Trump's Plan This Time? Part 2

The GBP/USD currency pair also traded with a minimal decline. There was little news on the day, so the market decided to take a breather before the next upward move

Paolo Greco 08:00 2025-05-28 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview – May 28: What Is Trump's Plan This Time?

On Tuesday, the EUR/USD currency pair showed a slight decline. The U.S. dollar continues to struggle to gain strength as market participants lack confidence in it. While it was previously

Paolo Greco 08:00 2025-05-28 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on May 28? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

Very few macroeconomic reports are scheduled for Wednesday. Among the more or less noteworthy reports, only Germany's unemployment rate and the change in the number of unemployed can be highlighted

Paolo Greco 06:53 2025-05-28 UTC+2

What Could Trump's Minimal Tariffs Lead To?

Donald Trump has given countries he claims are "robbing the U.S." a three-month deadline to reach trade agreements. As of now, two months into this deadline, only one deal

Chin Zhao 00:45 2025-05-28 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.